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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has shared what he’s heard on Leeds United’s reported interest in Rangers teenager Jack Wylie.

The Lowdown: Leeds links

The Whites have been extremely proactive in adding to their Thorp Arch academy ranks since returning to the Premier League back in 2020.

Darko Gyabi and Sonny Perkins were the two high-profile academy arrivals over the summer, with the latter of the two beginning the season in excellent form in front of goal.

Rumours emerged over the weekend that Leeds have joined Arsenal in the race for the full-back, registering their interest Wylie, who will turn 16 in January and will be able to pen professional terms.

The Latest: Romano’s comments

Romano, writing in his column for CaughtOffside, labelled Wylie as a ‘top talent’ and said that up to five Premier League clubs are following the teenager, who is ‘focused’ on Rangers at this moment in time.

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“I’m not too surprised to see big names like Arsenal and Leeds being linked with 15-year-old wonderkid Jack Wylie as he’s a top talent, but what’s the truth about his situation?”

“There are four or five Premier League clubs that are following him, but it’s still too early to mention negotiations or advanced talks with Rangers. At the moment, I’m told is too early and Jack is focused on Rangers.”

The Verdict: One to watch

It looks as if Victor Orta may well face plenty of top-flight competition when it comes to potentially bringing Wylie to Elland Road.

However, Leeds have shown there is a clear pathway to first-team football in Yorkshire, handing eight teenagers their Premier League debuts last season.

Wylie may well be aware of that record and want to become the next big Thorp Arch graduate, so his name could be one to keep a close eye on heading into 2023, where you’d expect he’ll pen professional terms with a club relatively swiftly.

Former BBC pundit Noel Whelan has suggested that Celtic could now qualify for the Champions League knockout stages after securing a draw against Shakhtar Donetsk last week.

The Lowdown: Champions League results

The Hoops began their European campaign by welcoming defending champions Real Madrid to Parkhead. After a strong 0-0 performance in the first half, Ange Postecoglou’s side failed to keep Los Blancos out thereafter and Celtic fell to a 3-0 defeat.

However, the Premiership champions bounced back in their next game away to Shakhtar Donetsk, ending with a 1-1 draw in a game which saw numerous chances wasted by the Hoops.

The Latest: Whelan’s claim

Whelan, who used to work as a pundit for BBC Radio Leeds, believes that Celtic could still make their way through to the Champions League knockout stages, or alternatively progress even further in the Europa League.

Speaking with Football Insider, the 47-year-old claimed: “Anything can happen – but they’ll be fighting tooth and nail to stay in this competition.

“It’s the best competition in the world, the strongest competition in the world. They’ll be up against sides with much bigger budgets, but it’s a challenge that Postecoglou and his players are very much up to.

“These two games against Leipzig are must-wins. But they did well against Real Madrid for an hour and that is a good sign going forwards. Bringing back a point away from home is massive.

“If they finish third in the group and drop down to the Europa League then they can go forward – but I think they can stay in the Champions League.”

The Verdict: Huge games coming up

Celtic now have to wait until 5 October for their next European clash against RB Leipzig, which will take place at the Red Bull Arena.

Away from home against regular group stage participants, this fixture is expected to be difficult. However, Leipzig currently sit bottom of the group with two defeats from two.

Therefore, if the Hoops are to defeat their Bundesliga opponents, the opportunity is seemingly there for the taking.

With club action now parked until the beginning of October, Postecoglou will have time to assess Celtic in training to see how best to approach the double header against Leipzig, which now looks set to shape whether or not the Scottish champions emerge from their group.

Aston Villa centre-back Diego Carlos could face up to nine months on the sidelines with injury, according to Dr. Rajpal Brar

The lowdown

Carlos, a £27.9million summer signing from Sevilla, was injured on his home debut against Everton on Saturday.

Manager Steven Gerrard said after the game that he was ‘extremely worried’ about the issue.

And now his worst fears might just have been realised, with Villa confirming in a statement on Monday that Carlos had ruptured his Achilles tendon and would require surgery.

The latest

Dr. Brar, a sports scientist, physical therapist and fitness and movement coach, says an Achilles tendon rupture ‘typically’ results in a ‘minimum’ ‘6-9 month’ lay-off ‘in elite football’.

And worryingly, it will take ‘even longer’ for Carlos ‘to return to pre-injury levels’.

The verdict

This looks like a monumental blow for Aston Villa and Carlos, just two games into his career at the club.

At best, he won’t be back till midway February, and at worst, he’ll miss virtually the entirety of the season.

And even when he does return, he’s going to need time to ramp back up to top form, assuming he can get there again.

According to The Athletic, 29-year-old Carlos should be in his peak window at present, so this injury is denying him a huge chunk of his prime years.

Villa have invested a great deal of money – he’s the fourth-most expensive signing in their history, and you have to consider his wages too – but might not be able to see any real return for the best part of a year.

In short, their plan is in tatters, and they’ll likely to recruit another centre-back now as a contingency measure.

Newcastle United will only buy the right transfer targets this summer, rather than take a gamble on players, says Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie.

The Lowdown: Quiet summer overall

The Magpies were expected to have a relentless summer in the transfer window, making the most of their newfound wealth and bringing in some big name new signings.

Eddie Howe has been relatively quiet in the market overall, however, adhering to Financial Fair Play rules and only signing three players to date – Seven Botman, Matt Targett and Nick Pope.

There is still time for that to change but a new update makes it clear what Newcastle’s transfer approach is this summer.

The Latest: Journalist makes key claim

Speaking in an interview with Give Me Sport, Downie claimed that the Magpies will not simply waste money on players they don’t see as a perfect fit at the club:

“When you look at Leeds, they have lost Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, so they have already lost their biggest players. It’s probably going to be even harder to do business with them.

“From some of the pieces I’ve heard, I just don’t think Newcastle are going to rush and take someone for the sake of it.

“I think it needs to be the right sort of character and the right sort of player who is going to come in and augment the squad they’ve got at the moment.”

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The Verdict: Shrewd transfer approach

While football fans love nothing more than seeing their club sign new players, this current approach is a shrewd one by Newcastle, showing the patience and eye for detail that is necessary to truly embark on a well-crafted rebuild.

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For example, it feels similar to Liverpool’s strategy rather than a Manchester United approach, with the former mastering signings under Jurgen Klopp and only bringing in the perfect individual for a specific role, while the latter throw money around in desperation.

It may be frustrating to some not to see Newcastle splashing their cash on an array of glitzy new faces but the manner in which they are going about their business is refreshing and bodes well for the future.

West Ham United are plotting a potential move for Leicester City youngster Luke Thomas.

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Guardian, who claimed that David Moyes is considering a move for the youngster.

Whilst he is keen on signing a left-sided midfielder, the Scotsman also wants a full-back who can compete with Aaron Cresswell. Thomas could reportedly be available if Leicester were to receive a suitable offer.

Imagine him and Kostic

With West Ham already boasting a busy summer transfer window, one added addition on the left-hand side could bolster what is already a strong part of David Moyes’ side.

The Irons are reportedly moving for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Filip Kostic, who excelled last season along the left flank.

A move for added depth just behind the potentially inbound Serbian could push Aaron Cresswell to further improve his game or see him dwindle as Thomas grows into the role.

The £25k-per-week Leicester full-back featured 22 times in the league, achieving a solid 6.75 average SofaScore rating, and he would offer a new dynamic to challenge the marauding Cresswell.

He ranked in the 90th percentile for blocks per 90 and the 91st percentile for pressures among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues last season, which would be useful for Moyes to initiate his press from full-backs pushed high up the field.

Perhaps if he were to sit behind potential new signing Kostic, who ranked in the 99th percentile for shot-creating actions and assists, they would form a remarkable partnership on the Irons’ left-hand side. Thomas could be the defensive solidity to allow the 29-year-old’s creativity to shine.

The ‘Foxes of Leicester’ fan account once wrote of the defender: “Luke Thomas’ talent and maturity is impressive. Bright career ahead.”

Moyes clearly agrees with this sentiment as he aims to see his side take the next step, moving on from Europa Conference League qualification to perhaps a top-four finish.

With Thomas and Kostic down the left flank, West Ham could have a blistering attack with the mature defensive capabilities resting on young shoulders who could get even better with the passage of time and accumulation of high-level experience.

AND, in other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals huge transfer development, West Ham supporters will be buzzing.

ExWHUemployee has dropped an update on reported West Ham United transfer target Amadou Onana.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Hammers transfer insider confirmed that, following Dharmesh Sheth’s tweet claiming that David Moyes is considering a second bid for the LOSC Lille defensive midfielder after seeing an initial €23m (£20m) offer rejected, this is indeed the case.

In response to a question asking whether the reports of West Ham’s interest in Onana are accurate, Ex replied: “Yes.”

In further comments made on The West Ham Way podcast, Ex went on to reveal that, while the Ligue 1 side are believed to be demanding a figure in the region of €60m (£51m) for the 20-year-old, the Irons are only willing to offer up to €45m (£39m) for the Belgium international this summer.

Regarding the club’s pursuit of the Lille midfielder, the insider said: “We put in a bid of around €23m. Definitely, 100% a target. Apparently, Lille are looking for up to €60m for him and want to encourage a bidding war with Arsenal to try and get the figure up as close towards €60m as possible.

“West Ham now have a dilemma as to whether they go back in. They won’t offer €60m for him, not for a midfielder who’s not proven. I doubt they’d pay €60m for a player like that, but if they could get him for around €40m or €45m then it might be something that we consider.

“I think it’s a deal that could be revisited, not in the near future as in this week but maybe next or in the not-so-distant future.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how exciting a prospect Onana looks to be, Ex’s claim that West Ham are considering a second bid for the 20-year-old is sure to be news that will leave the London Stadium faithful buzzing.

Indeed, following his €8.5m (£7m) move to Lille last summer, the £9m-rated talent highly impressed over his 32 Ligue 1 appearances in 2021/22, scoring one goal and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 0.9 tackles and winning 3.4 duels – at a success rate of 54% – per game.

Furthermore, according to FBref data, the £5.5k-per-week Belgian also ranks in the top 6% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues and European competitions for tackles per 90, in addition to the top 21% for aerials won, the top 24% for clearances and the top 25% for interceptions over the last 365 days.

As such, with Mark Noble having retired from professional football at the end of last season, coupled with both Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek being linked with moves away from east London this summer, it is easy to see why Moyes would be interested in a move for Onana ahead of West Ham’s 2022/23 campaign.

Indeed, the one-cap international who Jonas Boldt dubbed a “promising young talent” would not only appear to be a signing who will simply plug the Noble-shaped hole in the Hammers midfield next term, but he could well become the Irons’ first-choice in the position for many a year to come.

AND in other news: “All I can say is…”: Ex reveals huge WHU transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

West Ham United have reportedly made contact with fellow Premier League club Chelsea over a potential summer move for Armando Broja.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist and transfer insider Dean Jones had this to say about whether or not Chelsea had offered Broja and money in exchange for Hammers midfielder Declan Rice.

He said: “So far, that hasn’t happened. West Ham have made contact, and it’s been about what’s his figure. And Chelsea have basically stuck a price tag on him that West Ham aren’t going to touch, which is between 40 and 50 million. So, at the moment, there hasn’t been any negotiating around that.”

A product of Chelsea’s youth system, the striker has made 54 appearances for the west London club across their senior and youth teams, scoring 21 goals in the process.

After completing a loan spell with Vitesse Arnhem in which he scored 11 goals in 34 appearances, the centre-forward was moved out of Stamford Bridge on loan again last summer. This time, the 20-year-old got his first full taste of regular Premier League action as he made 38 appearances for Southampton.

During his time with the Saints, the youngster found the net nine times in total, with six of those coming in his 32 league appearances for the south coast club.

Moyes will be thrilled

To further highlight the attacking talent he delivered last season in the top flight, only James Ward-Prowse (51) and Che Adams (49) racked up more shots at goal than Broja (48) among Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad.

This shows just how capable he is of being a regular goal threat in the Premier League.

Taking all this into account, it’s safe to suggest that David Moyes would be thrilled that West Ham have been in contact with Chelsea over a potential move for the young striker this summer, especially since the Hammers only have Michail Antonio as a natural centre-forward.

However, with the reported price tag of €40m-€50m (£34.7m-£43.3m) that Jones mentioned being put on the player, it’ll be interesting to see whether or not the two clubs would be willing to negotiate a deal which would suit all parties.

Nonetheless, even if it would take a substantial transfer fee to get Broja to the London Stadium, this would be an investment worth making given his young age and clear attacking capabilities.

AND in other news – “West Ham were..”: Fabrizio Romano drops big transfer update, it’s terrible news for supporters

Hearts are keen on making midfielder Ben Woodburn’s loan move from Liverpool a permanent one this summer.

The Lowdown: Productive loan spell

The Welshman joined the Scottish Premiership side on a temporary basis last summer and enjoyed a fruitful campaign away from Anfield.

Woodburn scored three goals and registered one assist in 24 league appearances, also winning one Match of the Match award from WhoScored.

It appears as though Woodburn is surplus to requirements at Liverpool, and with his contract expiring this month, he could well leave the club for good.

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The Latest: Hearts want permanent deal

According to The Scotsman, Hearts manager Robbie Neilsen wants to sign the 22-year-old permanently this summer.

It is also claimed that Woodburn is ‘open’ to the idea of joining the Scottish outfit for good, having enjoyed his time there to date.

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The Verdict: Right time to leave

Woodburn is a talented young player who once threatened to be a future superstar, having become Liverpool’s youngest goalscorer of all time back in 2016.

He has been hailed as a ‘perfect’ talent by Jurgen Klopp, but despite this, now feels like the logical time for him to move on and join a new permanent club.

Woodburn is clearly no part of Liverpool’s future plans, given the number of loan spells he has had, but there is no shame in not making the grade for such a great team.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has made a key Liverpool claim. Read more here.

A shock Tottenham Hotspur transfer update has now come to light involving Bayern Munich striker and big name Robert Lewandowski.

The Lowdown: Conte sets sights on summer…

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte, finishing the 2021/2022 Premier League season in style, guided his side to fourth-place and qualification for next season’s Champions League in a huge boost for the north Londoners.

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A resounding 5-0 win away to Norwich City sealed the Lilywhites’ spot in Europe’s most prestigious competition, coming courtesy of goals from Dejan Kulusevski (2), Son Heung-min (2) and Harry Kane.

All eyes will now be on how chairman Daniel Levy backs Conte in the summer market ahead of the Italian’s first full season in charge as the former Inter Milan boss eyes ‘at least’ six major incomings, according to reports.

The signing of a forward is reportedly among the Tottenham manager’s priorities for the next transfer window with a surprise claim now emerging involving Bundesliga superstar Lewandowski.

The Latest: Tottenham eye shock Lewandowski move…

According to French news outlet Foot Mercato, transfer chief Fabio Paratici has joined the mix for Bayern’s household name with Spurs now eyeing a move alongside their rivals Arsenal.

It is claimed that they wish to partner Lewandowski with Kane and are ‘interested in the idea’ of offering the Poland international a route out of Bayern.

The Verdict: Ambitious?

The 33-year-old is quite simply one of the best strikers in world football, as evident by his ridiculous haul of 35 goals and three assists across 34 German top flight starts over 2021/2022 (WhoScored).

His 13 goals and three assists in Europe further back just how relentless Lewandowski can be in the forward positions, with Football Analyst Statman Dave, as seen on Sky Sports, calling him ‘unplayable’.

Former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has called the attacker a ‘huge player’ in the past also, but given he is widely believed to be eyeing a move to Barcelona, it appears Paratici could face an uphill battle to bring him to N17.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano: Spurs make contact to sign ‘monster’ player as his agents plan imminent club meeting, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur could sign transfer target Pau Torres for cheaper than expected, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Villarreal centre-back has emerged as a potential option for Antonio Conte this summer, with Spurs scouts recently in attendance to watch him in action during their Champions League exit to Liverpool in midweek, as per the Daily Mail.

A recruitment source has now told Football Insider that the 25-year-old that the Yellow Submarines are expected to cash in on him as he enters the final two years of his contract.

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There’s a need to raise funds at the Estadio de la Ceramica, so Tottenham are growing confident in their chances of securing his signature.

Torres has a £55m release clause but could be sold around the £45m mark, according to the report.

Imagine him and Romero

With manager Antonio Conte deploying a three-man backline at Spurs, there is certainly a need for another out-and-out central defender as full-back Ben Davies has been the first-choice option alongside Eric Dier and Cristian Romero.

The latter, on loan from Atalanta, has been particularly impressive, so pairing him with someone like Torres could be a mouth-watering prospect heading into next season, where the Lilywhites will be expected to mount a firmer top-four challenge.

And for £10m less than his release clause, it has to be considered something of a bargain masterclass from sporting director Fabio Paratici once again, especially when you consider the teams also interested in the Spaniard.

Both Manchester City and United, as well as LaLiga champions Real Madrid have been linked with the 6 foot 3 colossus.

Torres has been an integral part of Unai Emery’s side both domestically and on the European stage, where they made the semi-finals of the Champions League this season,

As per WhoScored, he ranks inside the top six highest-rated Villarreal players for both LaLiga and the UCL. He has won an average of 1.7 headers, 0.9 tackles and 0.6 interceptions per game but it’s his passing ability that makes him shine above the rest.

The 25-year-old’s 87.7% accuracy rate from over 60 passing attempts per game is more than respectable and sees him second to only Eric Dier (88%) of Conte’s current defensive options.

It’s no wonder that Torres has been lauded as an “extraordinary talent” by his ex-coach Javi Calleja to The Athletic.

If Spurs want to elevate to the next level, then they must fork out the £45m required to land someone of the Spaniard’s calibre. He, alongside Romero and Dier could be a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League next term.

AND in other news, Spurs must axe “horrendous” flop and £27m-rated “liability”, Conte would be buzzing…